Frequently Asked Questions
How common is sleep apnea?
According to the American Sleep
Apnea Association, sleep apnea affects over 20 million Americans. They
also approximate that as much as 80% of moderate to severe cases of obtrusive
sleep apnea are undiagnosed.
Can sleep apnea be cured?
Unfortunately, as of yet, there is no known cure for sleep apnea. However,
Dr. Bushdid can help you minimize and manage its symptoms so that you can live a
more comfortable life.
Is snoring always a sign of sleep apnea?
No. Snoring is very common and can occur in anyone. However, if your snoring is
severe enough to wake you from your sleep, it may be a sign of sleep apnea.
Snoring associated with sleep apnea is generally louder, deeper, and more
consistent than “normal” snoring. Those with sleep apnea may also experience
choking, gasps, or pauses in between snores.
Are there any risk factors associated with sleep apnea?
Approximately half of those affected by sleep apnea are overweight. Sleep apnea
is more common in men than in women and in older persons than in younger
persons. However, children with enlarged tonsils are also at risk.
Is sleep apnea hereditary?
At least one study has found that snoring runs in families. Though snoring is not
a cause of sleep apnea, it is one of its key symptoms. Additionally, individuals
may inherit narrow airways or be genetically predisposed to have excess tissues
in the airway. As such, there is a hereditary component to sleep apnea.